Detection of Breathing and Heartbeat Through Snow Using a Microwave Transceiver

Abstract

The potential of a continuous-wave microwave transceiver as a tool for detecting breathing and heartbeat of people buried in snow has been experimentally evaluated. The breathing has been clearly detected through a 1.8-m-thick snow barrier as well as through the 1.2-m-thick roof of an igloo dugout to simulate the experimental conditions of a human being trapped under an avalanche.